Constable Chris Taylor told the States Assembly on Tuesday that he could not commit to when a policy would be brought before the States for debate because of various ‘unknown variables’.
However he stressed he did not ‘want to compromise on time’ on a policy that could be in place for ‘15, 20 or 25 years’.
Responding to a question from Deputy Kevin Pamplin, the Constable said: ‘As to time scale, I cannot commit to it because there are unknown variables such as law drafting time but it will be brought as quickly as, I forget the word, I am not good at English, possible.’
The Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, added: ‘Always a good word, possible.’
Last month it was revealed Jersey’s population grew by 1,200 people in 2018 and reached 106,800 – its highest ever level – according to an official population-estimate report produced by Statistics Jersey. Last year was the fourth year in a row where the Island’s population grew by more than 1,000 people due to net inward migration, which is unprecedented.
On average net migration levels between 2015 and 2018 were roughly double that between 2009 and 2014, peaking in 2015 at 1,500.
There have been long-standing calls for the government to introduce policy to address the matter, with concerns growing that the Island will struggle to cope with the influx of people if nothing is done.
In 2014, the States introduced an interim population policy, which was meant to remain in place for two years but is yet to be superseded.
Both the Le Fondré and Gorst governments have failed to keep to promised target dates to introduce a permanent version.
Mr Taylor said that immediately after the latest government was formed work began on looking at a new population policy but he stressed a fine balance needed to be struck between ‘a sustainable economy, balanced population and meeting environmental needs’.
He again added that an interim report into work concerning Jersey’s population management was to be released in the autumn
Deputy Graham Truscott said he would not use words such as ‘dithering and procrastination’ to describe the government’s approach at this stage but added that he looked forward to the interim report. The Deputy then offered an anecdote about a retailer in St Helier that had to close two units because they could not get licences to employ foreign staff.
Mr Taylor later said: ‘Yes we need control and a vibrant economy and it’s achieving the right balance. We heard that two shops closed because they could not get staff but then we see recent headlines that say net inward migration is too high. It’s about getting a balance.’
